Tag: October 2026

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Sets New Mars Driving Record

Space.com reports that NASA’s Perseverance rover has set a new record for the greatest distance traveled on another world, surpassing the previous mark held by the Opportunity rover. On 11 October, Perseverance reached 28.10 miles (45.22 kilometers) traveled on Mars, exceeding Opportunity’s 28.06-mile record in just 5.5 years, compared with Opportunity’s 14 years. According to Space.com, “the mission team thinks the rover could eventually more than double the distance it’s already traveled.”
Full Story (Space.com)

NASA Eyes New X-Plane Programs and Possible SR-71 Revival

Aviation Week reports that NASA is considering ambitious new aeronautics initiatives, including experimental X-plane programs and a potential return to flight for the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson suggested the agency could unveil new plans during its inaugural MAX Power air show, scheduled for 7–8 November at Kennedy Space Center. According to Aviation Week, NASA hopes to “revitalize its aeronautics portfolio,” focusing on breakthrough technologies and experimental aircraft.
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Could the SR-71 Blackbird Fly Again? Inside NASA’s High-Speed Pursuit

Aerospace Global News reports that renewed interest in potentially returning a retired SR-71 Blackbird to flight is drawing attention to the aircraft’s enduring legacy and NASA’s high-speed aviation research. Nearly 30 years after its retirement, the Blackbird remains the “world’s fastest operational jet aircraft” and has never had a “direct successor.” Reports of NASA exploring a possible return to flight have reignited questions about why modern aviation has yet to match the SR-71’s extraordinary capabilities.
Full Story (Aerospace Global News)

FAA Proposes Regulatory Reforms to Accelerate Commercial Space Launches

Payload reports that the Department of Transportation has announced five proposed FAA rule changes designed to streamline commercial space launch and reentry licensing. The proposals target the Part 450 licensing process, “trying to balance efficiency and flexibility with existing safety standards,” while supporting a federal goal of 1,000 commercial launches and reentries annually by 2030.
Full Story (Payload)

American Airlines Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Plans Across Airbus and Boeing Fleets

Via Satellite reports that American Airlines is expanding its agreement with SpaceX to equip its entire mainline fleet of more than 1,000 Airbus and Boeing aircraft with Starlink satellite internet service. Installations are expected to begin in early 2027, using the “Starlink Performance Aero terminal, designed for up to 1 Gbps per terminal.” The expanded commitment builds on the airline’s earlier plan to install Starlink on more than 500 Airbus aircraft, further strengthening its investment in high-speed in-flight connectivity.
Full Story (Via Satellite)

NASA Makes Artemis II Lunar Mission Science Data Public

SpaceNews reports that NASA has released a preliminary science report and the full dataset collected during its Artemis II mission, six months after the crewed spacecraft traveled around the Moon. The release marks a significant milestone in “passing the baton” of the mission to the scientific community. Although primarily intended to demonstrate the Orion spacecraft’s capabilities, the mission also produced lunar imagery and observations gathered by its four astronauts during their flyby.
Full Story (SpaceNews)

Brazil’s First Locally Assembled Gripen E Fighter Completes Maiden Flight

AeroTime reports that Brazil’s first locally assembled Gripen E fighter completed its maiden flight on 7 October, marking a significant milestone in the country’s domestic fighter production program. The aircraft departed Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility with a Saab test pilot at the controls, where the flight “checked the aircraft’s main systems and flight characteristics.” The successful test advances the fighter toward additional acceptance procedures and eventual delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.
Full Story (Aerotime)

Army Establishes First Enlisted Space Operations Force

Payload reports that the U.S. Army has begun fielding its first permanent group of enlisted space warfighters, noting that the soldiers are “now reporting for duty.” More than 600 soldiers transitioned on 1 October into the newly created 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialist military occupational specialty. The move establishes a dedicated enlisted workforce focused on supporting the Army’s growing tactical space operations.
Full Story (Payload)